Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #32318: How SPHERES Became the Space Drone Playground for Research and Innovation

Imagine having a drone that floats freely inside a spaceship, executing tasks, simulating satellite maneuvers, and testing new algorithms—all while astronauts work alongside it. That’s exactly what SPHERES, short for Synchronized Position Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites, was designed to do on the International Space Station (ISS). This unique experiment opened up a new dimension in orbital research by deploying bowling-ball-sized satellites in zero gravity to mimic how larger spacecraft operate in space.

The SPHERES project originated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), under the leadership of Principal Investigator Alvar Saenz-Otero. The experiment saw collaborative input from several agencies, including the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), NASA's Johnson Space Center, and Payload Systems Incorporated. The project was operational over multiple ISS expeditions, highlighting its long-term value and success.

One of the most innovative aspects of SPHERES was its flexibility. The satellites could be reprogrammed and updated mid-mission, allowing scientists to test new theories, algorithms, and systems in a real microgravity environment. This capability helped validate models used in space robotics, satellite docking, and autonomous rendezvous operations.

SPHERES also doubled as an educational tool. Through the Zero Robotics competition, students from middle school to college could write code for SPHERES, and the best programs were actually run on the ISS. This connection between classroom learning and real-world application helped inspire a generation of engineers and scientists.

In essence, SPHERES represented a foundational leap in how autonomous systems are tested in space. It provided not just a testbed but also an avenue for innovation, education, and collaboration across institutions.

Join the Agnirva Space Internship Program

Get certified with over 100 hours of immersive, self-paced learning in cosmology, space technology, and climate science through the Agnirva Space Internship Program. Join, complete virtual projects, and earn a digital certificate to showcase your space fluency in interviews, resumes, and beyond.